Bhutan Tourism Policy

Government of Bhutan is slowly opening up to the modern world in a fine balance with its ancient culture and traditions. Bhutan's tourism is founded on a principle "High Value and Low Impact" meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. For this reason the number for tourists visiting Bhutan are kept to an environmentally manageable level through government regulated tourist tariff. A portion of the fee that you pay, currently 37%, goes directly to the government as a royalty and it is used to sustain free medical care and education in Bhutan.

Travel Insurance

The cost prpvided by the Bhutan tour operators do not cover insurance of any kinds. You will have to get it insured from your country of origin before the commencement of your trip.

Meals, Water & Drinks

Bhutanese meals are characterized by the hot chilli and cheese. When put them together and you have the national favorite – Aeema Datsi (curry made of chilli and cheese). This main dish has given rise to numerous variations: Kewa Datsi (potato and cheese),Shamu Datsi (mushroom and cheese). These would be standard and optional dishes in most Bhutanese restaurants served with other dishes. The momo or dumbling is a general favorite and is available either as cheese momo or with minched meat. In Bumthang, buckwheat pancakes and noodles are popular as the favorite staple.

Most restaurants in Bhutan offer the standard Chinese or Indian foods. International cuisine is limited. Always ask what is available and what is in season. There are more restaurants in the capital, Thimphu, and the southern town of Phuentsholing. Most meals are served buffet style unless you ask in advance to served separately. It is generally safe to eat out in the major restaurants but avoid fresh salads. Drink only bottled water --Bhutan’s agro industry produces excellent bottled spring water. In Thimphu, there are a few small cafes where a hot steaming cup of tea or coffee is available with snacks. You might also want to taste a cup of suja (butter tea), a favorite for locals, which can warm you up on cold nights. There is also the local wine called arra (brewery of rice, barley or wheat). Locally produced beer and whiskey is also available.

Customs, Import / Export Restrictions & Baggage Allowances

Visitors are required to complete a passenger declaration form for checking in by Custom officers on arrival at Paro airport. The folloing items are exempt from duty: a) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitors; b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine); c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of 200% import duty; d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professinal use; e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use. The articles mentioned under d) & e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Custom authorities.

Import/Export of the following goods is strictly prohibited: a) Arms, ammunitions and explosives; b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs; c) Wildlife products, especially; d) Antiques. Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate. The items should bear the seal of royal government of Bhutan and such items can be bought and exported.

On Drukair, 20 kg in Economy class and 30 kg in business class is allowed with 5 kg carry-on.

On trek, because of the logistic reasons, you are required to limit your baggage to 15 kg each because the load of each trekker make a load of a horse or yak.

Money, Credit Cards & ATMs

The Bhutanese currency is called the Ngultrum (Nu) and is equivalent to the Indian rupee. (approx. US$ 1= Nu.40). Currency notes are available in various denominations: Nu. 500, Nu.100, Nu.50, Nu.10 and Nu.5. Coins are available in denominations of chertrum (Ch): Ch,50,Ch.25,Ch.10,Ch.5.

Foreign currency is exchangeable on arrival at the airport, or in banks. You will have to change your currency in Paro or Thimphu as it may be more difficult in smaller towns. Banks also offer a better rate of exchange. Most traveler’s cheques are accepted but shops generally charge a levy on credit cards. Payments can sometimes be made with American Express, VISA and the JCB cards although the hotels and shops that accept them are usually confined to Thimphu and Paro. If you wish to use credit cards, there is also levy of interests. In general cash is more convenient, particularly in the districts outside Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing town.

There is not ATM facilities in Bhutan accept for the locals.

Electricity, Plugs & Sockets

The voltage in Bhutan is the same as India: 230V, 50 cycles AC. For the sensitive electronic equipment, you should still be prepared for possible outages and fluctuations. Electricity in western Bhutan is reliable and steady while, in central and easterb Bhutan, it is generated by small hydroelectric projects and might expect some ccasional short-term power failures and voltage instability.

Bhutan uses the standard Indian round-pin sockets. These come in a variety of sizes, and there’s no assurance that a particular plug will fit the socket in your hotel. Most European round-pin plugs work, but their pin are usually smaller than the Indian variety, and they fit loosely and provide an unreliable connection. There are plenty of electrical shops in Thimphu that can make up an adapter if you have trouble plugging in an appliance. If you have an appliance that uses Australian plugs, bring a converter.

Filming, Photography & Equipment

Tourists or professionals’ intent on filming in Bhutan must abide by the Bhutan Filming Regulations, 1995.

Applications for a filming permit must be submitted at least 30 days in advance accompanied by: Synopsis of the film – theme/ background/objective/purpose. Specific location/objects/activities. Composition of the team and list of equipment, accessories/consumables (members of the team will have to pay the full daily tourist tariff) and letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency.

• First 30 minutes or part thereof – US$ 10,000.
• Next 30 minutes or part thereof – US$ 60,000.
• Every additional 30 minutes or part thereof – US$ 3000

In addition a security deposit of US$ 5,000 must be deposited, which will be refunded upon completion of the film.

There are no restrictions on photographing the outside of Dzongs and Monasteries. Photography is strictly prohibited inside Monasteries. There are several reasons for this. One is that tourists in the past have completely disturbed holy places with their picturing taking. Another is the fear that photos of treasured statues will become a catalogue of items for art thieves to steal. And thirdly, some early tourists made photography of religious statues into postcards that were then sold, which is unacceptable to the Bhutanese religious community.

During festival you may enter the Dzong courtyard where the dances take place. This provides an excellent opportunity to photography the Dzongs, people and local color.
Remember, however, that this is religious observance and that you should behave accordingly. Use a telephoto lens without a flash. Don’t intrude on the dance ground or on the space occupied by local people seated at the edge of the dance area. If you do end up in the front row, remain seated.

Bhutanese people are naturally shy but will usually allow you to take a photograph, especially if you ask them first. Many people, especially children, will pose for you, and a smile or joke will help to make the pose a little less formal.

Bring in enough batteries or chargers for your cameras.  We have limited stores that sell electronic goods and even if you get, they might not meet the specifications of your cameras.

Women, Gay & Lesbian Travelers

There is no sexual harassment as Bhutanese women generally enjoy a good standing in society. Since all tourists have a travel guide, there is little chance of coming across unpleasant occurrences. Women are however, advised to take the same universal precautions when in crowded entertainment places at night, particularly when in discos or bars, or if walking home late in the evening. Sometimes, the stray dogs could pose a problem on the streets at night.

People’s sexual preferences are considered personal matters and do not bother most Bhutanese. The Bhutanese people are, however, not used to open intimate behavior. Sometimes, you come across people of the same gender holding hands but they are not necessarily gay or lesbian.

Weather & Climate

For a relatively small land mass, the wide geographical variation gives Bhutan its varied climatic character and four distinct seasons. The southern plains close to the Indian borders are warmer and more tropical while the central valleys are warm and the alpine north cold. Summer month from June- August are warm with frequent monsoon rains. Spring and Autumn are cooler and the winters spanning from December to February can be extremely cold.

People, Culture & Traditions

The Bhutanese people are a good-nature, friendly and fun- loving people. The ruggedness of the terrain and the remoteness of its valleys have led to the formation of many scattered communities throughout Bhutan. Hence there are nineteen languages spoken in the country for a population of just 600,000. The people are broadly described as Ngalongs from the western region, Sharshops from the eastern, Lhotsampas, who are of ethic Nepali origin, from the south.  Bhutan also has several small communities who have literally lived in isolation in their own communities for many years keeping their traditional practices alive. These include the Doyas in the south, the Layaps in the north-west, the Monpas of central Bhutan, and the nomads of Merak Sakten in eastern Bhutan.

The rich cultural heritage of Bhutan has remained remarkably unblemished. It is to a great degree not remnants of the past but a living culture, where age-old traditions are vibrant and still continue to have clear significance in every day life of the Bhutanese people. Cultural heritage is considered the foundation upon which the identity of the Bhutanese people and the kingdom of Bhutan as a sovereign independent nation is built. The signs of strong tradition are evident to a visitor from the impressive architecture and art form adoring the Bhutanese landscape.

Health & Safety

Currently, there is no vaccination required for entry into Bhutan. However it is generally recommended that your tetanus, diphtheria and polio boosters be up to date.

Malaria is endemic in some rural areas of southern Bhutan.  Most of your tour runs through western, central and eastern Bhutan.  So you will need to consult your physician about talking anti-malarial pills only if your trip goes through southern parts of Bhutan.  For further information, visit the corporate website of the US Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov.

Even though the country lives up to its nick name of the Land of Peaceful Dragon and the crime rate is very low, you should always be security conscious and keep any valuables along with your air tickets and passport locked in the hotel safe.

Women, both foreign and Bhutanese, are not subject to harassment and do not need to take any special precautions. Bhutanese are more likely to help a woman in distress than a man.  Young men have a reasonable liberated attitude towards their relations with women.

Laundry & Toilets

Hotels can do laundry, but few outside of Thimphu have dryers. Outside the capital same-day service is possible, but it depends on the amount of sunshine available. The only dry-cleaning shops are in Thimphu and Phuntsholing. Dry-cleaning will take at least three days, so plan accordingly. Many expats pack up all their clothing and take it with them on a holiday to Bangkok to have it dry-cleaned there.

There are few public toilets except near town vegetable markets and along Norzin Lam in Thimphu. Existing public toilets are of the Asian squat variety and toilet paper is never available, though there may be a container of water to use. Most hotels and guesthouse provide Western toilets and lo paper, though there are some exceptions, particular in eastern Bhutan.

In older goemdas and palaces you may find an old-fashioned Bhutanese toilet. This is a strange hobbyhorse commode built in a little room that extends out from the side of the building, featuring a large square pipe leading straight down into a pit. There’s an example of one of these in the Folk Heritage Museum in Thimphu.

Emergencies & Embassies

The numbers for emergencies services are the same throughout the country. For an ambulance call telephone # 112. The police number is 113 , and the fire department telephone # 110.

There are only two foreign embassies in Bhutan and a Thai Consulate:

Indian Embassy
India House, Thimphu
Telephone: +975-2-322162
Fax: +975-2-323195

Bangladesh Embassy
Thori Lam, Thimphu
Telephone:  +975-2-322539
Fax:  +975-2-322629

Thai Consulate
P.O Box 1352
Lower Motithang, Thimphu
Telephone:  +975-2-323978
Fax:  +975-2-323807

There is no US Embassy or Consulate in Bhutan and some contact is being maintained between the US and Bhutan through the US Embassy in New Delhi, India.  Visitors may also obtain help from the US Embassies/Consulate in the places listed below:

NEW DELHI
The US Embassy
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Telephone: 91-11-419-8000
Fax: 91-11-419-0017
Website: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/

MUMBAI
US Consulate
Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400026
Telephone: 91-22-363-3611
Website: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/

KOLKOTTA/ CALCUTTA
US Consulate
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Calcutta 700071
Telephone: 91-33-282-3611
Website: http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov/ http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov/

CHENNAI
The US Consulate in is located at Gemini Circle, 220 Anna Salai, Chennai 600006
Telephone: 91-44-811-2000
Website: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/

NEPAL
US Embassy
Panipokhari, Kathmandu
Telephone: 977-1-411179 or 410531
Fax: 977-1-419963
Website: http://www.south-asia.com/USA/

Shopping

The vibrant and exquisitely designed textiles, which is an integral part of Bhutanese culture has become an attractive value to the outside world.  The other hand craft items include fine quality wood carvings, clay, cane work, gold and silver ornaments and many other items. Postage stamps and Thangkas are also available for sale.

Tips & Gratitude

It is not compulsory to tip your service staff but they might expect from you. Give and take is always there in the Bhutanese society.

Excellent service – US $20 per day for Guide and US $15 for Driver.  Satisfactory service – US $15 per day for Guide and US $10 for Driver.  If you do not want to hurt sentiments US $8 per day for Guide and US $5 for Driver.

Tips for the support staff on trekking:  US $15-20 for the trekking Cook and US $8-10 for the assistants and horsemen. However it is at your discretion to tip more than these slabs – some people tip more or less than the slabs based on satisfaction that you get from their service.

Drukair Flights & Window Seats

Drukair flights are day light restricted. You are required to keep at least a day gap between your other flight connections as some times Drukair flights might be called off due to weather conditions.

Drukair has non-fixed seating and if you wish to take window seats, you will have to check-in early. The check-in time is two hours ahead of departure time. If you fly in from Delhi or Kathmandu, left window gives you views of the Himalayas. While you must opt for right windows, when you fly out of Bhutan.

Packing Lists on Cultural Tours & Treks

On Cultural Tours:

3 pairs lightweight long pants
2 pairs dress pants / dresses for evening
2 pairs shorts
4 short-sleeved shirts/blouses
1 long-sleeved shirt for sun protection (also while visiting dzongs, temples & monasteries).
Underwear
Socks
Sleepers
Warm jackets (if trip falls in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb)
1 sweater or light weight jacket
1 windbreaker
1 pair comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of dress shoes
Personal toiletries
Insect repellent
Spare nylon duffel for purchases
Sunscreen rated 20 SPF or higher
Lip Balm
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses
1 visor/sun hat
Flashlight
Daypack/Hip pack for day trips
Beach Towel
First-Aid kit with pain medications, antiseptic/anesthetic for sunburn, prescription medications.

On Trekking:

Daypack    
Duffel for gear (if not weatherproof, bring lg. plastic bags)
Warm sleeping bag (negative 8-10 degrees centigrade)
SM first aid kit (blister kit with specifically 2nd skin, aspirin &/or ibu, cough drops, tape)
Headlamp
Camera & extra batteries
2-liter water bottles (if you bring a camelback, bring a nalgene, also)
Water purification (iodine or chlorine to carry in daypack)
Insulated drinking mug
Lightweight toilet articles (shampoo, soap-travel size is best for trekking!)
Sunscreen & lip screen
Small towel

Suggested Clothing List
Down parka                                                
Gore-Tex shell & pants                    
Warm fleece jacket                        
Comfy trekking boots (we like lowa)              
Lightweight shoes                           
4 pr trekking socks 
2 long sleeve capilene shirts            
2 capilene bottoms (mid & heavy wt)
2 trekking shirts (non-cotton is best!)
Trekking pants (zip off shorts are nice!)
1 pr shorts
1 bandana  
1 pr winter gloves (ie:  ski)
1 pr lightweight gloves (ie: fleece)
Flip flops (or similar around camp shoes)
Warm hat
Sun hat
2 pair sunglasses

Miscellaneous Items
Anti bacterial wipes or lotion (for face and hands)
10 or so energy bars (operators do provide 3 meals per day on the trek!)

Temperature Guide